Affordable Counselling in Ottawa — Free Counselling Options
If you’re in Ottawa and looking for affordable counselling, Transformation Counselling is a great place to begin. While based outside the city, they offer online therapy anywhere in Ontario, including free or very low-cost sessions with supervised student therapists. These students are completing master’s-level training and work under the guidance of experienced clinicians, providing quality support at a fraction of the cost.
Their student therapy program ranges from free to $80 per session, depending on availability. Regular therapy with licensed clinicians is also offered on a sliding scale from $140–$195 per session. The process is simple: complete their online intake form, and they’ll match you with a therapist who fits your needs.
Why start here?
No need to be in the same city — sessions are online.
Options for free or low-cost therapy.
Quick, personalized therapist matching.
Free & Low-Cost Counselling Options in Ottawa
In addition to Transformation Counselling, Ottawa offers many local resources for free or affordable mental health care:
Counselling Connect
🌐 counsellingconnect.org
📍 Ottawa, ON (and Eastern Ontario)
📞 Contact via online booking
💲 Free single-session counselling for children, youth, adults, and families — available by phone, video, or in person. No waitlist.
The Walk-In Counselling Clinic
🌐 walkincounselling.com
📍 Multiple locations in Ottawa
📞 (613) 755-2277
💲 Free same-day counselling, no appointment needed. Services in English, French, Arabic, Somali, Spanish, and more.
Ottawa Distress Centre
🌐 dcottawa.on.ca
📍 Ottawa, ON
📞 613-238-3311 (24/7)
💲 Free crisis and emotional support by phone or text.
Family Services Ottawa (FSO)
🌐 familyservicesottawa.org
📍 312 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON
📞 (613) 725-3601
💲 Sliding scale counselling starting at $12 per session.
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (PQCHC)
🌐 pqchc.com
📍 1365 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON
📞 (613) 820-4922
💲 Free or low-cost counselling for individuals and families, with some walk-in availability.
Centretown Community Health Centre
🌐 centretownchc.org
📍 420 Cooper Street, Ottawa, ON
📞 (613) 233-4443
💲 Free mental health support for residents in their catchment area.
Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre
🌐 orcc.net
📍 Ottawa, ON
📞 Crisis Line: 613-562-2333
💲 Free counselling for survivors of sexual violence.
Ottawa Youth Services Bureau (YSB)
🌐 ysb.ca
📍 2675 Queensview Dr, Ottawa, ON
📞 Crisis Line: 613-260-2360
💲 Free counselling for youth ages 12–20.
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region — Text and Chat
🌐 dcottawa.on.ca
📞 Text 343-306-5550 or chat online
💲 Free, confidential support for all ages.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Ottawa and need therapy, start with Transformation Counselling’s online student therapist program for free or very affordable sessions. Then, explore Ottawa’s strong network of local services — from Counselling Connect and The Walk-In Counselling Clinic for immediate access, to Family Services Ottawa for ongoing affordable therapy. For crisis situations, Ottawa’s Distress Centre and specialized hotlines are there 24/7.
Help is closer — and more affordable — than you think.